tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272821608372254614Thu, 22 Jun 2017 02:22:38 +0000ReviewMiscellaneousWritingFantasyMonday Morning Flash FictionFlash FictionMailbox MondayWaiting on WenesdayAmanda McIntyreAnne BishopReading ListRoad TripSecond ChancesVivian ArendMegan HartRe-Read ChallengeBookcoversDiana Pharaoh FrancisG.A. AikenGail DaytonSassy Sunday Story StarterDevinErin QuinnEve SilverGuernsey journeyKathryne KennedyKirsten SaellLusting for CoversR.A. SalvatoreSeries SpotlightSue-Ellen Welfondercraftskaren RanneyschoolAnnaliese EvansElizabeth VaughanHouseJanet ChapmanJennifer FallonJeri Smith-ReadyJudith JamesKarin TabkeLandscapingLeanna Renee HieberLori Foster's Get TogetherMorgan HowellR.G AlexanderWhatever Wednesdayhalloweenmeme2010Anna DestefanoAnne RiceBook Reviews A to ZBooking Through ThursdayC.L. WilsonCatherine KeanDeidre KnightDenise RosettiDevin's Flash FictionDru PagliassottiElizabeth HaydonElysa HendricksErin GradyFahrenheit 451Fantasy Reading ListFiona JaydeGardeningGerri RussellGlenda LarkeHelen Scott TaylorIsabo KellyJade LeeJenna MacLaineJennifer AshleyJennifer St. GilesJosh LanyonKinley MacgregorL. J. McDonaldLibrary roomLilli FeistyLisa HendrixLisa Marie WilkinsonLois McMaster BujoldMargaret MalloryNeil GaimanPati NaglePatricia BriggsR.F. LongROMANCE ChallengeRT convention 2010Rick RiordanRobin SchoneS.A. SwannShow Me Yours SaturdayStephanie TylerSusan CarrollTessa DareThanksgivingTop Ten TuesdayVirginia KantraWaiting on Wednesdaycamarocrochetdeadline damesmoviesmusictop readsRomance Book Wyrmhttp://romancebookwyrm.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Amy C)Blogger290125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272821608372254614.post-8763628411923780282Thu, 27 Sep 2012 19:40:00 +00002012-09-27T15:40:30.738-04:00Waiting on WednesdayWaiting On Wednesday - Diana Pharaoh Francis<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Ooops, this was supposed to post yesterday...</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lfc_fhCU5w0/UGHSM_ld-GI/AAAAAAAAEA4/FBZRLda_kMI/s1600/bloodwinter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lfc_fhCU5w0/UGHSM_ld-GI/AAAAAAAAEA4/FBZRLda_kMI/s320/bloodwinter.JPG" width="194" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>BLOOD WINTER</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>By Diana Pharaoh Francis</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Book 4 - Horngate Witches</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Release Date -</b><br /><b>December 26, 2012</b></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div id="outer_postBodyPS" style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; height: auto; overflow: hidden; z-index: 1;"><div id="postBodyPS"><b>Set in apocalyptic America and featuring a magically enslaved heroine who is “a riveting mixture of guts, compassion, and furious anger as she struggles with a world coming apart at the seams” (<i>Romantic Times</i>), the fourth in a dynamic dark urban fantasy series unlike anything you’ve ever read before.</b></div><div id="postBodyPS">Winter is coming to Montana and Shadowblade warrior Max is expecting trouble. People are hoarding everything. They are banding together, many flocking to the congregation of Sterling Savage, a fire-and-brimstone preacher. A charismatic cult leader who claims to be the Hand of God, he’s determined to create a human utopia and destroy all magic, starting with witches.<br /><br />Unbeknownst to him, the “divine” voice he’s been hearing isn’t God but a demon that feeds on hate, death, and destruction. Savage is the perfect puppet for the demon’s ambitions. Max and her people at Horngate are all that stand in its way, and they are woefully unprepared.<br /><br />Conducting terrible, bloody ceremonies to boost his own power and that of the demon riding him, Savage starts a war between his congregants and two other powerful gangs in the city, fighting for food, fuel, clothing and territory. When he manages to capture Max’s niece, brother, and several teenagers from Horngate, Max tries to free them but finds that Savage has twisted their minds. They worship him—even her brother, who is a witch and whom Savage intends to burn at the stake. Going undercover in the cult compound, Max swiftly realizes just how seductive Savage is. His charisma is reinforced with magic. His followers adore him and will do anything for him. Anything.<br /><br />But courage, loyalty, and friendship are powerful forces—and Max doesn’t like to lose.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-17OmaxNBBW4/UGHP0n42mcI/AAAAAAAAEAA/YBtdcpX-I5M/s1600/bitter+night.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-17OmaxNBBW4/UGHP0n42mcI/AAAAAAAAEAA/YBtdcpX-I5M/s200/bitter+night.JPG" width="120" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3eWhDPm0pHI/UGHQ8yRZqPI/AAAAAAAAEAo/ucBdZ4UEx7Q/s1600/crimson2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3eWhDPm0pHI/UGHQ8yRZqPI/AAAAAAAAEAo/ucBdZ4UEx7Q/s200/crimson2.JPG" width="122" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F5qDorOMYME/UGHQ9uKX7zI/AAAAAAAAEAw/vJXJgJ7e_4Y/s1600/shadow3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F5qDorOMYME/UGHQ9uKX7zI/AAAAAAAAEAw/vJXJgJ7e_4Y/s200/shadow3.JPG" width="122" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; text-align: center;">&nbsp;I just started reading this series. I bought the first book when it released a few years ago, Bitter Night, because I followed her Crosspointe series, so I thought I would try this series as well. I never did read it, but for whatever reason, perhaps something different to read, I thought it time I pick it up and give it a try. It has great reviews and I really enjoyed the Crosspointe series (Still waiting for another book !) So far, I am enjoying it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9g3TG5Ko_iE/UGHQGvOXDwI/AAAAAAAAEAQ/5fbHm_y38GY/s1600/cipher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9g3TG5Ko_iE/UGHQGvOXDwI/AAAAAAAAEAQ/5fbHm_y38GY/s200/cipher.jpg" width="121" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xQlmN480tt4/UGHQFukxoAI/AAAAAAAAEAI/kXcHgKjYEJ8/s1600/black+ship.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xQlmN480tt4/UGHQFukxoAI/AAAAAAAAEAI/kXcHgKjYEJ8/s200/black+ship.JPG" width="123" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VcCMM79Go9I/UGHQH6nv5AI/AAAAAAAAEAg/mRsV4KjxPqM/s1600/turning+tide.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VcCMM79Go9I/UGHQH6nv5AI/AAAAAAAAEAg/mRsV4KjxPqM/s200/turning+tide.JPG" width="120" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ia4YvIhGL-0/UGHQHDe0F1I/AAAAAAAAEAY/kQE5aBbAX1M/s1600/the+hollow+crown.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ia4YvIhGL-0/UGHQHDe0F1I/AAAAAAAAEAY/kQE5aBbAX1M/s200/the+hollow+crown.JPG" width="123" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; text-align: center;">I also have her other books in the<b> <a href="http://www.dianapfrancis.com/the-path-books/" target="_blank">Path series</a></b>. I haven't read them either. I need to remedy that too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eiPyufgKq-M/UF8HEm7EhLI/AAAAAAAAD-I/D_39NJDwrpY/s1600/honor2sm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eiPyufgKq-M/UF8HEm7EhLI/AAAAAAAAD-I/D_39NJDwrpY/s1600/honor2sm.JPG" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kFZF0Zh7YZc/UF8HDteTL2I/AAAAAAAAD94/2WQl2bWZRfI/s1600/blood3sm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kFZF0Zh7YZc/UF8HDteTL2I/AAAAAAAAD94/2WQl2bWZRfI/s1600/blood3sm.JPG" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jMSGnLgHzBY/UF8HEHfUOtI/AAAAAAAAD-A/VK6kANAGQmc/s1600/fate1sm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jMSGnLgHzBY/UF8HEHfUOtI/AAAAAAAAD-A/VK6kANAGQmc/s1600/fate1sm.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qMzoi7TdZTQ/SjjNXyF84RI/AAAAAAAACCM/Y0fCd3XMdY0/s1600-h/WoW.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348250365969883410" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qMzoi7TdZTQ/SjjNXyF84RI/AAAAAAAACCM/Y0fCd3XMdY0/s320/WoW.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 78px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 101px;" /></a>Hosted by Jill @ <a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/">Breaking the Spine</a></span></span></div><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-to-QGd3690I/UGIoD1fOkFI/AAAAAAAAEBk/p8zOmMqT7Ao/s1600/DSC00714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-to-QGd3690I/UGIoD1fOkFI/AAAAAAAAEBk/p8zOmMqT7Ao/s400/DSC00714.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ain't he sweet?</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>http://romancebookwyrm.blogspot.com/2012/09/waiting-on-wednesday-diana-pharaoh.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy C)9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272821608372254614.post-928757367985456049Tue, 25 Sep 2012 14:17:00 +00002012-09-25T10:17:53.880-04:00Top Ten TuesdayTop Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Series I Haven't Finished<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;">Top Ten Tuesday</span> is hosted by <a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/">The Broke and the Bookish</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iCb6czu98gI/UGGkfHBxh3I/AAAAAAAAD-w/vGFfMuqn7cI/s1600/Top+Ten+Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iCb6czu98gI/UGGkfHBxh3I/AAAAAAAAD-w/vGFfMuqn7cI/s1600/Top+Ten+Tuesday.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This week the Top Ten Tuesday topic is&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Series I Haven't Finished</u></b>...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>1. The Mageverse Series by Angela Knight </b>- I read the first five books and have the sixth. Perhaps one day I'll get caught up. I did start reading Master of Fire. It's on my nightstand.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Master of the Night</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Master of the Moon</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Master of Wolves</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Master of Dragons</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Master of Swords</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Master of Fire</div><div style="text-align: left;">Master of Smoke</div><div style="text-align: left;">Master of Shadows</div><div style="text-align: left;">Master of Darkness</div><br /><br /><b>2. The Breeds by Lora Leigh -</b>This series I would like to get caught up on. I have the next three books. One day I'll get back to them.<br /><br /><b>Tempting the Beast</b><br /><b>The Man Within</b><br /><b>Elizabeth's Wolf</b><br /><b>Kiss of Heat</b><br /><b>Soul Deep</b><br /><b>Megan's Mark</b><br /><b>Harmony's Way</b><br /><b>Tanner's Scheme</b><br /><b>Wolf's Hope</b><br /><b>Jacob's Faith</b><br /><b>Aiden's Charity</b><br /><b>Dawn's Awkening</b><br /><b>Mercury's War</b><br /><i>Coyote's Mate</i><br /><i>Bengal's Heart</i><br /><i>Lion's Heat</i><br />Styx's Storm <br />Navarro's Promise<br />Lawe's Justice<br />Stygian's Honor <br /><br /><b>3. Paladins of Darkness by Alexis Morgan</b> - Wow, I didn't realize how many books there are in this series that I haven't read. I doubt I'll try to finish this one. Not sure why I lost interest. It's been quite awhile since I read them.<br /><br /><br /><b>Dark Protector</b><br /><b>Dark Defender</b><br /><b>In Darkness Reborn</b><br /><b>Redeemed in Darkness</b><br />Darkness Unkown<br />Defeat the Darkness<br />Bound by Darkness<br />The Darkness Beyond<br />Darkness on Fire<br /><br /><b>4. The Dark-Hunter's by Sherilyn Kenyon</b> - After I read Ash's book, I had no desire to read anymore. I loved the first 6 or 7 books, but after awhile, I just wasn't much into them and now there are just so many to read to get caught up. I'm not even going to list them :).<br /><br /><b>Fantasy Lover</b> through <b>Seize the Night</b> were some of my favorite books I've read.<br /><br /><b>5. The Lee and Taro Series by Moira J. Moore</b> - I really wanted to like these books. I enjoyed the first and second one, but found it difficult to get into the third.<br /><br /><b>Resenting the Hero</b><br /><b>The Hero Strikes Back</b><br /><i>Heroes Adfift</i><br />Heroes At Risk<br /><i>Heroes Return</i><br /><br /><b>6. The Psy/Changling series by Nalini Singh</b> - This seires I am finally working on getting caught up on, so it probably doesn't exactly fit with the theme of this top ten list. I had stopped reading them about three years ago, but have recently read the next two books from where I left off and now only have 3 more to get caught up. I really love this series and am not sure why I didn't keep up with it.<br /><br /><b>Slave to Sensation&nbsp;</b><br /><b>Visions of Heat</b><br /><b>Caressed by Ice</b><br /><b>Mine to Possess</b><br /><b>Hostage to Pleasure</b><br /><b>Branded by Fire</b><br /><b>Blaze of Memory</b><br /><b>Bonds of Justice</b><br /><i>Play of Passion</i><br /><i>Kiss of Snow</i><br />Tangle of Need<br /><i> </i><br /><b>7. Daughter of the Glenn Series by<i> </i></b><b>Melissa Mayhue -</b> Maybe someday I'll read some more books in this series. Not sure why I stopped reading these ones either. I did find that she has another series that I might have to look into...The Warrior Series :)<b><br /></b><br /><i><br /></i><b>Thirty Nights With A Highland Husband</b><br /><b>Highland Guardian</b><br /><b>Soul of a Highlander</b><br /><b>A Highlander of Her Own</b><br /><b>A Highlander's Destiny </b><br />A Highlander's Homecoming<br />Healing the Highlander<br />Highlander's Curse<br /><i><br /></i><b>8. DragonFire Seires by Deborah Cooke</b> - This is another series that I do plan on continuing. I just kinda stopped reading for awhile and now I am slowly trying to get caught up. She has a young adult series that branched off of this one that I would like to someday read also.<br /><br /><b>Kiss of Fire</b><br /><b>Kiss of Fury</b><br /><b>Kiss of Fate</b><br /><b>Winter Kiss</b><br /><i>Whisper Kiss</i><br />Darkfire Kiss<br />Flashfire<br />Ember's Kiss<br /><br /><b>9. Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning - </b>I love her Highlander books and then this series started, but I just couldn't get into it like so many others have.<br /><br /><b>Darkfever</b><br /><b>Blood fever</b><br />Faefever<br />Dreamfever<br />Shadowfever<br />Fever Moon<br /><br /><b>10. Mists of Ireland by Erin Quinn</b> - This series I'd really like to get caught up on. I didn't realize, though, I'm only behind one book... <br /><br /><b>Hauting Beauty</b><br /><b>Haunting Warrior</b><br /><b>Haunting Desire</b><br />Haunting Embrace<br /><br />I'd say more than half of this list is more a reminder of how far behind I am on series I still would like to read but for one reason or another have fallen behind. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OWi-Z6a4vvI/UGG75bk6RkI/AAAAAAAAD_Y/_3ku-S27V3g/s1600/DSC00882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OWi-Z6a4vvI/UGG75bk6RkI/AAAAAAAAD_Y/_3ku-S27V3g/s400/DSC00882.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Spoiled Baby!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>http://romancebookwyrm.blogspot.com/2012/09/top-ten-tuesday-top-ten-series-i-havent.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy C)8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272821608372254614.post-4150469803605315234Wed, 19 Sep 2012 19:15:00 +00002012-09-25T18:02:37.963-04:00craftscrochetMiscellaneousYay...I Can Crochet!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPEqZBaQWHg/UFoZN6TpvhI/AAAAAAAAD9I/z0u08K-4pYI/s1600/DSC00873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPEqZBaQWHg/UFoZN6TpvhI/AAAAAAAAD9I/z0u08K-4pYI/s200/DSC00873.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>I always wanted to learn how to crochet, and yesterday my aunt Judy taught me how to do a double stitch row. I'm so excited! My first attempt last night didn't turn out so well. I got the chain and an entire row done when I realized that my chain was done entirely too tight. When I started my second row it was curving down and around...umm, so not going to work. So sadly I had&nbsp; to unravel what took me 5 HOURS to do and start over. I knew doing the first row that I did my chain too tight, but I thought it might still be okay. I wasn't ready to admit defeat just yet. It's all good though. I picked it back up this morning and started over. It only took me half the time to do twice the amount today as compared to what I did yesterday.<br /><br />My aunt has like three times more done than I do! So I'm pretty sure you can figure out whose is whose.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LA-OJGXtYsA/UFoWW4C-BDI/AAAAAAAAD8Y/IA9xDU_VOeA/s1600/DSC00875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LA-OJGXtYsA/UFoWW4C-BDI/AAAAAAAAD8Y/IA9xDU_VOeA/s400/DSC00875.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">UH-OH It's Trouble! With a capital T!!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Actually, that black and white fur ball is my new kitty, Silly Simba. I brought the little stinker home in June right after we moved into the house. He was so tiny. I took him to the vet and turned out he was only about 3 1/2 weeks old :) I had to bottle feed him for a while. He weighed less than a pound, now he's about 5 pounds. He's the best cat. Loves everybody and plays all the time. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HCLyv9MMqpk/UFoWi3LIxaI/AAAAAAAAD8g/qrNvvuVhGBo/s1600/DSC00827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HCLyv9MMqpk/UFoWi3LIxaI/AAAAAAAAD8g/qrNvvuVhGBo/s400/DSC00827.JPG" width="400" />&nbsp;</a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Awww....He's so sweet!</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />http://romancebookwyrm.blogspot.com/2012/09/yayi-can-crochet.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy C)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272821608372254614.post-2245983152299831631Sat, 15 Sep 2012 13:15:00 +00002012-09-15T10:14:52.122-04:00HouseLandscapingPreparing For the Back Yard Transformation...One section at a time.<br /><br />Gonna be doing some more landscaping today. No planting, but lots of tilling to get the ground ready. I have big plans for the backyard. It's gonna take some time and muscle, but the end result will be all worth it!<br /><br />Shawn was able to get a tiller from a guy he works with. He brought it home yesterday, went to start it and the gas line broke. Oops...Not a big deal though, he's a handy guy to have around and the tiller hasn't been used in eight years, so he figured there might be some maintenance work needed on it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-McIEKSAYfA0/UFR6GfbCEgI/AAAAAAAAD7g/VP2otnFFcI4/s1600/DSC00865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-McIEKSAYfA0/UFR6GfbCEgI/AAAAAAAAD7g/VP2otnFFcI4/s200/DSC00865.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gd5lxn8YJks/UFR6SgNR-fI/AAAAAAAAD7o/oJHaXs9dPtU/s1600/DSC00866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gd5lxn8YJks/UFR6SgNR-fI/AAAAAAAAD7o/oJHaXs9dPtU/s200/DSC00866.JPG" width="200" /></a> We're gonna work on leveling out the ground, getting it ready so I can do my concrete walk way as I did in New York around my garden and deck. I got my tools yesterday, but had to order the concrete form online. It should be here on Tuesday.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NBRrTVCGQN0/UFR5ukG9GfI/AAAAAAAAD7Y/IDhVCYw3i4M/s1600/walkmaker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NBRrTVCGQN0/UFR5ukG9GfI/AAAAAAAAD7Y/IDhVCYw3i4M/s200/walkmaker.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>My aunt had a great suggestion. The area we are going to be working on up by the house actually sits up higher than the rest of the yard (You can see it in the bottom picture). I'd have to say that the previous owner built it up for something but never got around to doing anything with it. So she suggested building a retaining wall, perhaps using railroad ties, having that section of the yard raised. It would eliminate the slope and add a nice decorative viewing element. That slope has bothered me since we moved in. It would be a little extra work but we can do it!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bY0_F2VtJOQ/UFR8YUepFEI/AAAAAAAAD70/Ex_pGHf1zzI/s1600/DSC00867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bY0_F2VtJOQ/UFR8YUepFEI/AAAAAAAAD70/Ex_pGHf1zzI/s320/DSC00867.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I'm so excited to get started on this and it's so wonderful that I can even still consider doing yard work this late in the year. I'm so not missing New York right now :).<br /><br />One of these years when everything is done and had a chance to mature, my back yard is going to be my oasis!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Anyone have any fun plans for the weekend?</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>http://romancebookwyrm.blogspot.com/2012/09/preparing-for-back-yard-transformation.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy C)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272821608372254614.post-5244054291341670182Sun, 09 Sep 2012 12:27:00 +00002012-09-23T08:33:10.877-04:00FantasyJennifer FallonLusting for CoversLusting for Covers<div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1347192745631_2634"><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--e0souCQJcU/UENfGJFzr-I/AAAAAAAADzU/h83Ybbuu-ow/s1600/Lusting+for+Covers+Graphic.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: #990000;">Lusting for Covers</span></i><span style="color: black;"> is a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">bloggers</span> to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers. </span></b></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">This meme is hosted by TBQ @ </span><a href="http://tbqspersonalbookpalace.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">TBQ's Book Palace</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--e0souCQJcU/UENfGJFzr-I/AAAAAAAADzU/h83Ybbuu-ow/s1600/Lusting+for+Covers+Graphic.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--e0souCQJcU/UENfGJFzr-I/AAAAAAAADzU/h83Ybbuu-ow/s1600/Lusting+for+Covers+Graphic.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *</span></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">This book has been released in hardcover since last year, but I want it in paperback to go with the rest of the series and so far there still is no known release date. The books have been out in Australia for quite awhile now, it drives me crazy that it's taking so long for each book to release in the US. I love this series and her other series, The Hythrun Chronicles. I'm halfway through the second book in that one. She's an excellent author, great characterization and world building. This is the epic fantasy stuff I love reading. There's even a little bit of romance in them :).</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not so much lusting for the cover of this one, but I am seriously craving the words within!</span></span></span></div><br /></div><div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1347192745631_2634"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ao6maWifzg/UEyIOQbfnxI/AAAAAAAAD6s/2gAaaQuaMT0/s1600/chaos+crystal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ao6maWifzg/UEyIOQbfnxI/AAAAAAAAD6s/2gAaaQuaMT0/s320/chaos+crystal.jpg" width="218" />&nbsp;</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Jennifer Fallon</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Book 4 - The Tide Lords</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The magical Tide has turned and the Immortal Lords once again have their full power. The Immortal Lord Cayal welcomes this power as a means to an end—his end, preferably.&nbsp; Cayal has wanted to cease his existence for longer than human history and it looks like he might finally get his wish. &nbsp;Rumors swirl that the Chaos Crystal, the mysterious prism that brought the Immortals to the world, has been found. Cayal is determined to seize the gem.</div><div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1347192745631_2637"><br /></div><div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1347192745631_2637">Among those who search for this long-lost object is Cayal’s former lover, the very mortal Lady Arkady.&nbsp; She’s been captured by Jaxyn, a Tide Lord who is decidedly against Cayal and is seeking the Crystal for his own nefarious schemes. Arkady escapes, and is off on her desperate search…for if the gem falls into the hands of the Immortals, what will become of humanity?</div><div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1347192745631_2637"><br /></div><div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1347192745631_2638">The stakes are high, with mortal and immortal fighting to grasp this ultimate prize. Whoever holds the Crystal can decide the fate of the world. </div>http://romancebookwyrm.blogspot.com/2012/09/lusting-for-covers_9.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy C)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272821608372254614.post-6048322650459724221Sat, 08 Sep 2012 22:18:00 +00002012-09-15T09:15:47.148-04:00GardeningHouseLandscapingOops...Impulse Buyers, We Are!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8tmhX5SDPHw/UEpD0pQEWwI/AAAAAAAAD4A/uFXlzW9bUTc/s1600/old.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8tmhX5SDPHw/UEpD0pQEWwI/AAAAAAAAD4A/uFXlzW9bUTc/s320/old.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Old...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Hadn't planned on redoing the front yard landscaping this year. But we stopped at a nursery that we found by accident and couldn't pass up the Crape Myrtle that was 50% off! Which is what we wanted to plant at the corner of the house.<br />I have a huge disliking for boxwoods, and there were six of those dang things planted around the front window. And then that obnoxious bush that looked more like an over grown weed...well, they are no more! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hCYdNiE_IOo/UEo-oIgnHCI/AAAAAAAAD2w/xWczcq99VMA/s1600/garden1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hCYdNiE_IOo/UEo-oIgnHCI/AAAAAAAAD2w/xWczcq99VMA/s400/garden1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />That was quite a chore digging out the roots. I wasn't sure what it was. It looked kinda like a lilac or a butterfly bush. I knew it wasn't a lilac, and I thought for sure it couldn't be a butterfly bush because of the size. Turns out, according to the neighbors, that it was indeed a butterfly bush! I had no idea they could grow so large.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vCq9n8EkIeU/UEpAt22JvTI/AAAAAAAAD3c/k_dAL1xwxwM/s1600/DSC00837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vCq9n8EkIeU/UEpAt22JvTI/AAAAAAAAD3c/k_dAL1xwxwM/s320/DSC00837.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p8dcfPR2HFs/UEtx0yrBIpI/AAAAAAAAD4k/gTuj2gXk9DQ/s1600/DSC00852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p8dcfPR2HFs/UEtx0yrBIpI/AAAAAAAAD4k/gTuj2gXk9DQ/s400/DSC00852.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new!</td></tr></tbody></table>I LOVE Crape Myrtles! In a few years it should be nice and full. Everything should fill out by then and there will be lots of color throughout the entire growing season. The two dwarf crape myrtle shrubs have a darker pink flower so I got the white rose of sharon. I figure next year I'll add some annuals along the front. I do plan on adding one of those narrow holly shrubs where the bird feeder is. It seems like it could use something with some height right there but nothing that will get wide, and one of those would be perfect!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--7xFY4XnDWY/UEu83GmrPrI/AAAAAAAAD5w/G4zVFjVbDAg/s1600/DSC00854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--7xFY4XnDWY/UEu83GmrPrI/AAAAAAAAD5w/G4zVFjVbDAg/s320/DSC00854.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2PPtI65UYRA/UEu-g9Cfi7I/AAAAAAAAD54/Uqe4nDJyT9A/s1600/white.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2PPtI65UYRA/UEu-g9Cfi7I/AAAAAAAAD54/Uqe4nDJyT9A/s320/white.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We also picked up this small Crape Myrtle. I had to prune it up some, it looked a little tattered around the bottom. It should grow real nice right there on the side of the house. <br /><br />When Shawn was digging the hole, he came in the garage yelling my name, I was in the house fixing dinner. I went out and he's standing there holding the shovel out with a pile of dirt on it. He's like, "Quick, come here and see this." So I went out and he took off running back to the side yard. So I took off after him, thinking what the heck am I running after him for! But I did. He says, "Look." and tosses the dirt on the ground and out scurries the largest frikkin mole I have ever seen! OMG, it was flippin huge!! He managed to catch it again and put it in the container, so I snapped a few pictures.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UWyCVB6pNBQ/UEu_07UttzI/AAAAAAAAD6I/1-S5PViUYmk/s1600/mole2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UWyCVB6pNBQ/UEu_07UttzI/AAAAAAAAD6I/1-S5PViUYmk/s320/mole2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at the size of those claws!!</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yc-UusMOkXw/UEu_zkbBIqI/AAAAAAAAD6A/kJCGlHiyGFk/s1600/mole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yc-UusMOkXw/UEu_zkbBIqI/AAAAAAAAD6A/kJCGlHiyGFk/s320/mole.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He had to be at least five inches!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br />I probably would never have planted roses. I don't know why, maybe I thought they were hard to take care of. But this rose garden was planted last year, and it is so pretty and they continuously bloom! I won't be redoing this one.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FuLPx0HEN80/UEt3pgPykXI/AAAAAAAAD5I/Ds0ZmEQ46rs/s1600/DSC00857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FuLPx0HEN80/UEt3pgPykXI/AAAAAAAAD5I/Ds0ZmEQ46rs/s320/DSC00857.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gEcmLKkf3KM/UEo9sFuRMCI/AAAAAAAAD2c/_qke-6GrTl4/s1600/DSC00864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gEcmLKkf3KM/UEo9sFuRMCI/AAAAAAAAD2c/_qke-6GrTl4/s320/DSC00864.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>My hibiscus that I'm hoping doesn't die in the house through the winter. It's such a pretty tree and the day long flowers have been plentiful. Hasn't gone a day yet without at least one flower in bloom!<br /><br />I love landscaping. There are a lot of things I still want to do with the yard, mostly all in the backyard. But it's a good start so far!<br /><br />Hope you are having a great weekend!<br /><br />http://romancebookwyrm.blogspot.com/2012/09/oopsimpulse-buyers-we-are.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy C)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272821608372254614.post-2338281449067607061Tue, 04 Sep 2012 11:54:00 +00002012-09-04T07:54:12.177-04:00Fairy Garden<div style="text-align: center;">I Spent my Labor Day, laboring over a mini fairy garden! The other day we were discussing the future plans of gardening for the backyard that we're going to get started on in the Spring. I want to put a little mini fairy landscape in the garden area up by the house. I looked at tons of pictures online and think they are just so fun and cute...a little fairy house tucked away with some mini decorations within a larger garden. I looked up different fairy houses, and decided that I could make my own. With a little bit of bark mulch, some moss and a little birdhouse, I could make just what I want. As cute as the ceramic and resin ones are, I wanted something more woodsy and nature-looking.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">In the process of looking, I thought, damn, I'm gonna have to wait until the Spring to get started on this. So I decided to do a little mini garden for in the house. I went shopping yesterday and gathered up some supplies and then went for a walk down the trail behind my house and found some fun things to add to the natural habitat...some acorns, bark with moss and some twigs that I ended up using to make legs for a mini bench along with some bark from my mulch for the seat and back.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I think it turned out rather nicely. Now I just need a fairy!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TvVDqZ5vYD0/UEVhKURS_lI/AAAAAAAAD0s/YeZ14jbU1lI/s1600/DSC00814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TvVDqZ5vYD0/UEVhKURS_lI/AAAAAAAAD0s/YeZ14jbU1lI/s400/DSC00814.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-16JfXtTawH4/UEVhg9MIPUI/AAAAAAAAD04/HnWZBsB66vY/s1600/DSC00817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-16JfXtTawH4/UEVhg9MIPUI/AAAAAAAAD04/HnWZBsB66vY/s400/DSC00817.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U7jPnX0m_o4/UEVh-WB7mCI/AAAAAAAAD1A/6W-Ngd5jVjk/s1600/DSC00818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U7jPnX0m_o4/UEVh-WB7mCI/AAAAAAAAD1A/6W-Ngd5jVjk/s400/DSC00818.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EUl318tPul8/UEViZUNCueI/AAAAAAAAD1I/hh8eK9B0Whw/s1600/DSC00819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EUl318tPul8/UEViZUNCueI/AAAAAAAAD1I/hh8eK9B0Whw/s400/DSC00819.JPG" width="400" />&nbsp;</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;We also planted a few trees in the backyard! It feels good planting things and I love that you can still plant so late in the year down here. I had a fruiting pear tree by the deck that I really liked up in New York. It had a nice form to it and stays small, so we picked out another one of those and put it outside our bedroom window. The other one is an autumn maple that we planted in the backyard toward the property line. I can't wait to get started on the landscaping next year. I have all these ideas and plans in my head. It's going to look real nice when we're done.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tL3cmoFEj8c/UEXnhswHjTI/AAAAAAAAD1w/ZDuIIj8xH2o/s1600/DSC00810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tL3cmoFEj8c/UEXnhswHjTI/AAAAAAAAD1w/ZDuIIj8xH2o/s400/DSC00810.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5SO64khmex0/UEXn0W-T5fI/AAAAAAAAD14/wa6SqmyDxx0/s1600/DSC00812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5SO64khmex0/UEXn0W-T5fI/AAAAAAAAD14/wa6SqmyDxx0/s400/DSC00812.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hope you all had a nice weekend!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>http://romancebookwyrm.blogspot.com/2012/09/fairy-garden.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy C)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272821608372254614.post-5793617296492615123Sun, 02 Sep 2012 13:42:00 +00002012-09-02T09:42:17.501-04:00Lusting for Covers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--e0souCQJcU/UENfGJFzr-I/AAAAAAAADzU/h83Ybbuu-ow/s1600/Lusting+for+Covers+Graphic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em><span style="color: #990000;">Lusting for Covers</span></em><span style="color: black;"> is a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">bloggers</span> to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers. </span></strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This meme is hosted by TBQ @ </span><a href="http://tbqspersonalbookpalace.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">TBQ's Book Palace</span></a><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">&nbsp;</span></span></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--e0souCQJcU/UENfGJFzr-I/AAAAAAAADzU/h83Ybbuu-ow/s1600/Lusting+for+Covers+Graphic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--e0souCQJcU/UENfGJFzr-I/AAAAAAAADzU/h83Ybbuu-ow/s1600/Lusting+for+Covers+Graphic.png" />&nbsp;</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">****************************************</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;I don't know if it's the image on the cover or the title of the book that makes me want to have this one. I think it's the title...The Iron Wyrm Affair...It just sounds cool. And the description sounds really good too....a sorceress and a mentath...yup, sounds pretty good to me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">&nbsp;</span> </span></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uIPffJKYl74/UENfbjmqU8I/AAAAAAAADzc/frJVs1JgEVI/s1600/iron+wyrm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uIPffJKYl74/UENfbjmqU8I/AAAAAAAADzc/frJVs1JgEVI/s400/iron+wyrm.JPG" width="263" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Iron Wyrm Affair</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lilith Saintcrow</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Book 1 - Bannon and Clare</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>August 2012 </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Emma Bannon, forensic sorceress in the service of the Empire, has a mission: to protect Archibald Clare, a failed, unregistered mentath. His skills of deduction are legendary, and her own sorcery is not inconsiderable. It doesn't help much that they barely tolerate each other, or that Bannon's Shield, Mikal, might just be a traitor himself. Or that the conspiracy killing registered mentaths and sorcerers alike will just as likely kill <i>them</i> as seduce them into treachery toward their Queen.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1346592908922_2072" style="text-align: center;">In an alternate London where illogical magic has turned the Industrial Revolution on its head, Bannon and Clare now face hostility, treason, cannon fire, black sorcery, and the problem of reliably finding hansom cabs.</div><div class="null1" id="yui_3_5_1_1_1346592908922_2071" style="text-align: center;">The game is afoot..</div>http://romancebookwyrm.blogspot.com/2012/09/lusting-for-covers.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy C)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272821608372254614.post-847174982214851394Sun, 02 Sep 2012 12:29:00 +00002012-09-02T08:29:14.181-04:00Phoenix Rising<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I picked up this book the other day. Thought the cover looked really cool and it's been awhile since I tried reading steampunk. I love Steampunk art, but the few books I've tried to read haven't been so good for me. I'm hoping this one is better. I started it, and so far so good.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Has anyone else started this series?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yrZr2aFkSrE/UENMSPnnHMI/AAAAAAAADy0/f7tKhM_qZGM/s400/phoenix.JPG" width="248" />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Phoenix Rising </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">~Book 1 in A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Novel~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><blockquote id="yui_3_5_1_1_1346587661448_2686"><div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1346587661448_2685">Evil is most assuredly afoot—and Britain’s fate rests in the hands of an alluring renegade . . . and a librarian.</div></blockquote></div><div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1346587661448_2684" style="text-align: center;">These are dark days indeed in Victoria’s England. Londoners are vanishing, then reappearing, washing up as corpses on the banks of the Thames, drained of blood and bone. Yet the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences—the Crown’s clandestine organization whose bailiwick is the strange and unsettling—will not allow its agents to investigate. Fearless and exceedingly lovely Eliza D. Braun, however, with her bulletproof corset and a disturbing fondness for dynamite, refuses to let the matter rest . . . and she’s prepared to drag her timorous new partner, Wellington Books, along with her into the perilous fray.</div><div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1346587661448_2684" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1346587661448_2683" style="text-align: center;">For a malevolent brotherhood is operating in the deepening London shadows, intent upon the enslavement of all Britons. And Books and Braun—he with his encyclopedic brain and she with her remarkable devices—must get to the twisted roots of a most nefarious plot . . . or see England fall to the Phoenix!</div>http://romancebookwyrm.blogspot.com/2012/09/phoenix-rising.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy C)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272821608372254614.post-7493908063950945892Fri, 31 Aug 2012 12:04:00 +00002012-08-31T08:04:28.189-04:00Tattoofest...His and Hers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's been a tattoofest the last year :). I posted last year right after I got my Book Wyrm tattoo and shared some pictures. Shortly after we moved down to TN, I made an appointment with the lady who did my brother-in-law's tattoos, Tai. She is an awesome lady. She did my vine and the cover-up flower on the inside of my ankle in August and September last year. It took two sittings. The first one was for the outline, then back in for the color. It took her about four hours each sitting. I love it! People are all the time complimenting me on the color. Only occasionally do I get dirty looks...well, it could be more often, I just don't much care what others think :). Devin likes to bring it to my attention if someone is looking at it with disgust, though.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5Rb4PNc4wE/UD-bjC-oHqI/AAAAAAAADxA/CWHhq3Pud6g/s640/DSC00760.JPG" width="480" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BgsjftC7yr4/UD-bnLXPPhI/AAAAAAAADxI/Bq9eLnZxgVM/s1600/back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BgsjftC7yr4/UD-bnLXPPhI/AAAAAAAADxI/Bq9eLnZxgVM/s640/back.jpg" width="548" /></a></div>Back in October, me and my cousin Angela got matching tattoos on our ankles. We're both Scorpios so we had a lady in Bowling Green tattoo us. It was fun getting something done with her. Her and my aunt live with me now. I'll have to blog about them one of these days. I love them. It's so nice having my family around me.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJyxI9-FVCc/UD-bo7SQZxI/AAAAAAAADxQ/BLW4-XudyVg/s1600/bookwyrm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJyxI9-FVCc/UD-bo7SQZxI/AAAAAAAADxQ/BLW4-XudyVg/s640/bookwyrm.jpg" width="438" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WTgRfy2cLy4/UD-btBId_oI/AAAAAAAADxY/rqhqfycK7tI/s1600/tat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WTgRfy2cLy4/UD-btBId_oI/AAAAAAAADxY/rqhqfycK7tI/s640/tat.jpg" width="404" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>One day I will have more :). I still would love to do the top part of my leg. I had made an appointment back in May to have a nice piece added on my outer thigh to flow into the vines, but I cancelled it and had her do the little dragonfly instead. Figured I didn't need to spend that much money with buying the house. I'm hoping maybe in the Spring I can get more.<br /><br />&nbsp;Shawn also had Tai design a tattoo for his arm. He didn't realize that her idea would wind up being a full half sleeve until after she got started on it. It's pretty darn cool though. I think it took about 3 or 4 sittings. She's very detail oriented and loves her colors!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AJAFFAP52f0/UECj5VIOSJI/AAAAAAAADyA/WFAEY9NpDT8/s1600/DSC00773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AJAFFAP52f0/UECj5VIOSJI/AAAAAAAADyA/WFAEY9NpDT8/s400/DSC00773.JPG" width="300" />&nbsp;</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iBKOgycFftc/UECkWZq4dUI/AAAAAAAADyU/iGfkbi4P9k8/s1600/DSC00776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iBKOgycFftc/UECkWZq4dUI/AAAAAAAADyU/iGfkbi4P9k8/s400/DSC00776.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQi_wpJGepE/UECkICGRucI/AAAAAAAADyM/aB01YJ9CSdg/s1600/DSC00775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQi_wpJGepE/UECkICGRucI/AAAAAAAADyM/aB01YJ9CSdg/s400/DSC00775.JPG" width="300" />&nbsp;</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hope ya'll have a wonderful weekend! </div>http://romancebookwyrm.blogspot.com/2012/08/tattoofesthis-and-hers.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy C)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272821608372254614.post-7930132707328112192Wed, 29 Aug 2012 21:51:00 +00002012-08-29T17:54:15.567-04:00My Books Have a New Home...<div style="text-align: justify;">I haven't blogged in some time. It was a difficult transition moving from New York to Tennessee. But it seems things are going really well now. We bought a house in June. It's a beautiful house, everyone loves it. We've all made it home. I don't think any one is really missing New York anymore. We've all adjusted quite nicely. It was very strange, though, not having any snow through the winter, and not all those bitter, cold temperatures. But I loved it! I missed the snow around Christmas, but after that, I loved not having it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's such a good feeling to have my books back out and in their own space. There for awhile I thought they would forever be in boxes, packed away in some storage unit, collecting all sorts of different bugs. When we looked at the house, as soon as I walked upstairs and saw the little nook, I thought what a perfect spot to turn into a library room. I don't have all my books out. There's still about four boxes packed, but that's okay. I have out my favorites and then some. One day I might have to do some re-hanging of the shelves so I can add another row to the one side. I didn't realize I could hang them four high on the wall until after I hung them. Now all I need is a recliner up there.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cTNLxGsP36E/UD55MCxzBlI/AAAAAAAADwQ/EBDMl5TQhRA/s1600/DSC00740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cTNLxGsP36E/UD55MCxzBlI/AAAAAAAADwQ/EBDMl5TQhRA/s400/DSC00740.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wXeDX_fDzq8/UD55ffQw2HI/AAAAAAAADwY/iueyVRTzyOw/s1600/DSC00741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wXeDX_fDzq8/UD55ffQw2HI/AAAAAAAADwY/iueyVRTzyOw/s400/DSC00741.JPG" width="400" />&nbsp;</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n8AOCR9Z5Pc/UD545Up3PfI/AAAAAAAADwE/z6BvbWB31lc/s1600/DSC00738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n8AOCR9Z5Pc/UD545Up3PfI/AAAAAAAADwE/z6BvbWB31lc/s400/DSC00738.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GhdL4g1Yi0Y/UD55sVmGl9I/AAAAAAAADwg/XVDTcoTwZBs/s1600/DSC00737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GhdL4g1Yi0Y/UD55sVmGl9I/AAAAAAAADwg/XVDTcoTwZBs/s400/DSC00737.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />http://romancebookwyrm.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-books-have-new-home.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy C)13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272821608372254614.post-5015310611304057073Wed, 29 Aug 2012 12:01:00 +00002012-08-29T11:31:09.917-04:00The Graveyard Queen<center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center>It certainly has been awhile since the last time I browsed around the blogs. You see, I discovered this new to me author, Amanda Stevens, and every time I read a good book, my first thought is to post it on my blog. Not that I have been reading much at all the last few years, but I feel it coming back. I've read more the last two months than I have the last two years, and damn, it feels good!</center><center>&nbsp;</center><center></center><center>If you don't know, Amanda Stevens has this pretty cool new series out about Amelia Gray, the Graveyard Queen. It's got ghosts, family secrets and nice little plot twists and turns. And of course a very tormented, darkly handsome, brooding hero :). I read the first three books last week and now have to wait until who knows when for the fourth book. I did have a few minor issues with some of the story line in each book. I felt like some things could have been elaborated on more fully, but the main plots of each book were very interesting and engaging, allowing me to overlook the things I questioned or wanted more of an explanation on. I figure it's one of those things you just gotta let go and enjoy the rest of the book.</center><center>&nbsp;</center><center></center><center></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jGkBCLkk-MI/UD4AwcKIDhI/AAAAAAAADvU/aWTfdUpBWwE/s1600/151001480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jGkBCLkk-MI/UD4AwcKIDhI/AAAAAAAADvU/aWTfdUpBWwE/s320/151001480.JPG" width="202" /></a></div><center>BOOK 1 - The Restorer</center><center>&nbsp;</center><center></center><center><div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1346240607761_2828">~My name is Amelia Gray. I'm a cemetery restorer who sees ghosts. In order to protect myself from the parasitic nature of the dead, I've always held fast to the rules passed down from my father. But now a haunted police detective has entered my world and everything is changing, including the rules that have always kept me safe.</div><div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1346240607761_2219">It started with the discovery of a young woman's brutalized body in an old Charleston graveyard I've been hired to restore. The clues to the killer—and to his other victims—lie in the headstone symbolism that only I can interpret. Devlin needs my help, but his ghosts shadow his every move, feeding off his warmth, sustaining their presence with his energy. To warn him would be to invite them into my life. I've vowed to keep my distance, but the pull of his magnetism grows ever stronger even as the symbols lead me closer to the killer and to the gossamer veil that separates this world from the next.~</div><div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1346240607761_2219"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2w9CCHW3G8Q/UD4DGSaWuoI/AAAAAAAADvc/joionP1v09w/s1600/the+kingdom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2w9CCHW3G8Q/UD4DGSaWuoI/AAAAAAAADvc/joionP1v09w/s320/the+kingdom.JPG" width="201" /></a></div><div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1346240607761_2219">&nbsp;BOOK 2 - The Kingdom</div><div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1346240607761_2219"><br /></div><div class="null1" id="yui_3_5_1_1_1346241362917_3144">~Deep in the shadowy foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains lies a dying town </div><div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1346241362917_3114">My name is Amelia Gray. They call me The Graveyard Queen. I've been commissioned to restore an old cemetery in Asher Falls, South Carolina, but I'm coming to think I have another purpose here.</div><div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1346241362917_3163">Why is there a cemetery at the bottom of Bell Lake? Why am I drawn time and again to a hidden grave I've discovered in the woods? Something is eating away at the soul of this town—this withering kingdom—and it will only be restored if I can uncover the truth.~</div><div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1346241362917_3163"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4lX5x6PvQ8E/UD4Dr8Dvf6I/AAAAAAAADvk/VH9hWeZEDlw/s1600/the+prophet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4lX5x6PvQ8E/UD4Dr8Dvf6I/AAAAAAAADvk/VH9hWeZEDlw/s320/the+prophet.JPG" width="202" /></a></div><div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1346241362917_3163">&nbsp;BOOK 3 - The Prophet</div><div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1346241362917_3163"><br /></div><div class="null1" id="yui_3_5_1_1_1346241470935_2136">~My name is Amelia Gray.</div><div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1346241470935_2138">I am the Graveyard Queen, a cemetery restorer who sees ghosts. My father passed down four rules to keep me safe and I've broken every last one. A door has opened and evil wants me back.</div><div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1346241470935_2140">In order to protect myself, I've vowed to return to those rules. But the ghost of a murdered cop needs my help to find his killer. The clues lead me to the dark side of Charleston—where witchcraft, root doctors and black magic still flourish—and back to John Devlin, a haunted police detective I should only love from afar.</div><div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1346241470935_2196">Now I'm faced with a terrible choice: follow the rules or follow my heart.~</div><div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1346241470935_2196"><br /></div><div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1346241470935_2196">********</div><div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1346241470935_2196"><br /></div><div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1346241470935_2196">Have you read these books? What were your thoughts on them if you have?</div><div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1346240607761_2219"><br /></div></center><center></center><center><center></center></center>http://romancebookwyrm.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-graveyard-queen.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy C)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272821608372254614.post-4858694685692991072Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:09:00 +00002011-12-23T13:10:08.534-05:00The Journey is over...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gGRSiMS-2pI/TvTCmJDYpoI/AAAAAAAADvA/DYjJ8kIdCXc/s1600/DSC00506.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gGRSiMS-2pI/TvTCmJDYpoI/AAAAAAAADvA/DYjJ8kIdCXc/s400/DSC00506.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689386189796714114" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">For now anyway...(:<br /></div><center><br />I received The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society in the mail last week from the last person on the journey! I was so flippin excited to finally have the book back and to read through all the letters that you guys were so kind enough to write. This book means so much to me, and because of you all, it's a treasure that I will hold dear to me forever. I'm so thankful to all of you that participated.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PhorcP55y2c/TvTClyA1cKI/AAAAAAAADuw/SXNzlhDlBVI/s1600/DSC00504.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PhorcP55y2c/TvTClyA1cKI/AAAAAAAADuw/SXNzlhDlBVI/s400/DSC00504.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689386183612002466" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-riCamGu1jqc/TvTCl0v8YCI/AAAAAAAADuo/eS3n019Gzbk/s1600/DSC00509.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-riCamGu1jqc/TvTCl0v8YCI/AAAAAAAADuo/eS3n019Gzbk/s400/DSC00509.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689386184346460194" border="0" /></a><br />I wanted to thank you all so much for doing this with me. It seems like so long ago that I started the Guernsey Journey...well, I suppose two and half years ago is a long time. Now that I have it back, I don't want to send it out anywhere else, but it has one more journey to go on...back up to New York, it must travel. My dear friend, Barb, who I always used to take books to to read has not read it yet. I had planned on driving it to her when I did get it back but at the time I had no idea I would not be living in NY anymore. So it must make its way back into an envelope and journey once more.<br /><br />I am usually so anal about my books always keeping that new book appearance. However, with this one, I am so happy that it has that well-read, worn look to it. It's perfect!<br /><br />Sometime last year, I was in Pier 1 Imports and I found this book box and thought it would be the perfect thing to store this book in.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g06TOKfKEx4/TvTCmlk-vCI/AAAAAAAADvM/-hO58hv2R3w/s1600/DSC00508.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g06TOKfKEx4/TvTCmlk-vCI/AAAAAAAADvM/-hO58hv2R3w/s400/DSC00508.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689386197453814818" border="0" /></a><br />And the reason I decided to mail this book out and start the Guernsey Journey was because of the final paragraph in the Afterward...<br /><br />--It's members are spread all over the world, but they are joined by their love of books, of talking about books and of their fellow readers. We are transformed-magically-into the literary society each time we pass a book along, each time we ask a question about it, each time we say, "If you like that, I bet you'd like <span style="font-style: italic;">this</span>." Whenever we are willing to be delighted and share our delight, we are part of the ongoing story of<span style="font-style: italic;"> The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.</span>--<br /><br />Thank you all, again, so much for being part of this "Guernsey Journey" with me.<br /><br /><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/141/C6649DFBCFEC11BB76F4C601E0F5114F.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /><br /><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f317/himscute/amy1avfixedresized.jpg" /></center>http://romancebookwyrm.blogspot.com/2011/12/journey-is-over.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy C)11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272821608372254614.post-6547681514232585173Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:04:00 +00002011-12-07T09:53:06.965-05:00MiscellaneousMiss my blog and yours...<center>Hello, my fellow blogging friends! I've attempted to post on several different occasions, but I always end up deleting it. I moved down to TN a few months ago. Didn't quite work out so well, and now I'm living in Bowling Green, KY with my aunt and cousin. So many life changes over the last year has sort of put me in mood. I always think how nice it would be to find that routine I used to have, perhaps someday.<br /><br />I spoke on the phone with a friend the other day, met her online several years ago in an author's forum. She knows what to say to lift my spirits and encourage me to believe that I can do what I have to do, that I'm a strong person. Thank you so much, Christine. I've cried to you on the phone through some rough times (On Father's Day one year, no less, and you let me!) But I'm not going to cry anymore...only happy tears now. I figure things can't get any worse, only better. And there is another lady that no matter how distant I get, she never fails to remind me that her friendship is always there. Your packages in the mail, Anna, mean so much to me. I made some amazing friendships over the last few years blogging and discussing books and just whatever was going on in our lives. I miss it. Dottie, Lea, Linda, Tracy...you guys are always in my thoughts, among many others.<br /><br />A few weeks ago, I was having a bad day, and decided to go on a long road trip back home to NY for a few days. Damn, it felt good seeing the familiarity of home, visiting my mom, and my other 'mom'. But I realized that that is not my home anymore. I was on the phone with my cousin one night when that reality hit...I was driving home. Not back to my mom's apartment, but home to my house. When I realized what I had done, I felt like I got punched in the gut. It was not a pleasant feeling at all. I needed it though, to realize that what was my home for 11 years was now someone elses home. Imiss it, but I have a new place to call home now.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a26iOyGzDPk/Tt96LfjajCI/AAAAAAAADtU/2itfiITeVmI/s1600/DSC00454.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a26iOyGzDPk/Tt96LfjajCI/AAAAAAAADtU/2itfiITeVmI/s400/DSC00454.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683395592632044578" border="0" /></a>(Not my home anymore, but it sure felt like it the first time I drove by.)<br /><br />I just wanted to post, and say Hi to you all and hope that you are enjoying the holiday season!<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/141/C6649DFBCFEC11BB76F4C601E0F5114F.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /><br /><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f317/himscute/amy1avfixedresized.jpg" /></center>http://romancebookwyrm.blogspot.com/2011/12/miss-my-blog-and-yours.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy C)18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272821608372254614.post-3583209083578420628Sun, 10 Jul 2011 15:23:00 +00002011-07-10T11:44:51.322-04:00My Very Own Book Wyrm!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UuADYYWx8lM/Thm-FmYCc8I/AAAAAAAADr0/dpwgoZF7Uag/s1600/Book%2BWyrm%2Btattoo%2B003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UuADYYWx8lM/Thm-FmYCc8I/AAAAAAAADr0/dpwgoZF7Uag/s400/Book%2BWyrm%2Btattoo%2B003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627738212786140098" border="0" /></a><br />A few weeks ago I finally decided it was time to get another tattoo. I had an idea of what I wanted for the past couple of years...a book wyrm. Went back to the same guy that did my other one and Bob hooked me up yesterday! I printed up a couple of pictures, told him what I would like and he did the rest! And boy, did he do an amazing job drawing exactly what I wanted. His rendition of my ideas totally blew me away! He is one very talented dude :). I could not be more happy with my Book Wyrm. He persuaded me very nicely into adding color. Originally, I wanted mostly black and grey shading, with a little bit of green on the body. I think what he did is perfect.<br /><br />I was so worried whether or not I could sit through several hours, since he had told me when I made the appointment that it would be about 5 hours and since we're moving to TN next Wednesday, I couldn't split it into two sessions. But luckily it only took him little over 3 hours. Only took one break after the outline for a few minutes.<br /><br />Now that this one is done, I've been inspecting the rest of my leg thinking about all the empty space where I can add more stuff...hahaha!! And then there is the other leg...<br /><br />I absolutely love my dragon! I couldn't have asked for anything better...I wonder what he's reading...perhaps some smut?? :P<br /><br />Well, we have 10 more days and we'll be heading down to TN...it seems so crazy how fast this has all happened. These last few days are going to fly by and I feel like I have so much to do, people to see and say my good-byes to. I'm really going to miss it here. Not the area, but the familiarity of it, and the friends that I have. But I figure I'm trading that for something else wonderful...I will be close to my dad for the first time since I was ten. The last time I seen him, I was 13...almost 23 years ago. We both are so excited for this reunion. And then my aunt Judy and cousin Angie are down there too, in Kentucky. They are planning on moving to Nashville in September...totally psyched about that.<br /><br />I hope things are well with all of you and you are enjoying your summer! One good thing about TN, the summers last a heck of a lot longer than they do around here :)<br /></div><center><br /><br /><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/141/C6649DFBCFEC11BB76F4C601E0F5114F.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /><br /><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f317/himscute/amy1avfixedresized.jpg" /></center>http://romancebookwyrm.blogspot.com/2011/07/my-very-own-book-wyrm.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy C)26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272821608372254614.post-6120821333036236682Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:28:00 +00002011-06-23T14:29:29.223-04:00Flash FictionWritingFlash Fiction Entry #??<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I2nQartV-bQ/TgOEgU6Vw-I/AAAAAAAADrs/Qhx4miRvsJM/s1600/death%2Band%2Bdesire.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 353px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I2nQartV-bQ/TgOEgU6Vw-I/AAAAAAAADrs/Qhx4miRvsJM/s320/death%2Band%2Bdesire.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621482450792596450" border="0" /></a><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday Morning Flash Fiction<br /><br />Free</span><br /></div><center>By Amy C<br />Word count - 401<br /><br />Skeletons of long ago lay in mocking silence behind her. She wept from the injustices of a past she could not change, a present she felt trapped within, and a future unable to see.<br /><br />Her tears no longer comfort, no longer ease the loneliness that haunts. Pain and sorrow define her. The shattered pieces of who she is drift farther and farther apart. Lost and aimlessly traveling, searching for that safe haven that will heal the broken soul she harbors.<br /><br />Hovering in front of her are the scattered remnants of herself. Trembling as waves of fear crash into her, she reached, slowly extending her arm. Her fingers hesitantly gripped one of the floating frames. Her eyes watered as she gazed at the moving image etched within; a child, carefree, laughing and smiling, without the weight of the blackness that would one day rip her apart. Cradling it against her heart, eyes closed, willing herself to feel that lightheartedness, the piece slowly melded into her. She gasped at the sensation.<br /><br />Encouraged and empowered, she reached for another. This one burned where it touched flesh. Forcing her eyes to view the image, she reeled back at the faceless man she saw. Horrible feelings of hurt and bleakness, loneliness and despair threatened to taint the previous reflection. Her skin crawled and her stomach revolted, twisting and knotting, ready to spill its contents.<br /><br />She took a deep breath, drawing strength from the carefree child that was her. “No more,” she shouted. “I will live no more with the torment of you and your wicked deeds.” With all her might, with every ounce of courage she possessed, she flung the frame from her, watching it shatter against an invisible wall. The dark tendrils that had so expertly wove around her heart, breaking her, fortifying the layers of her shield, allowing nothing in, dissolved. No longer would they bind her to a past that caused so much pain and tears, a sense of self lost and outside of reality.<br /><br />She reached for another piece and another, hugging them preciously close until each found their place. Ones that she thought too far from reach began to drift closer toward her. Her heart grew lighter as memories of contentment and love penetrated the unraveling layers. So long she’d lived in broken shambles. Her soul mended, yet fragile, she wept with joy of the wholeness she now felt within herself.<br /><br />* * * * *<br /><br />Been quite awhile since I did one! Great image Dottie and Michelle...<br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;"></span></p> <img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/141/C6649DFBCFEC11BB76F4C601E0F5114F.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /><br /><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f317/himscute/amy1avfixedresized.jpg" /></center>http://romancebookwyrm.blogspot.com/2011/06/flash-fiction-entry.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy C)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272821608372254614.post-4455483031089272370Sun, 24 Apr 2011 14:45:00 +00002011-04-24T10:51:12.129-04:00Flash FictionWritingFlash Fiction Entry #36<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ghhDc3IQO0/TbQ07DlxdpI/AAAAAAAADqQ/wW8iAknLun4/s1600/Endless%2BDream.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ghhDc3IQO0/TbQ07DlxdpI/AAAAAAAADqQ/wW8iAknLun4/s400/Endless%2BDream.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599158425909032594" border="0" /></a>Monday Morning Flash Fiction Challenge #36<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dream of Loneliness</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">By Amy C<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Word Count - 333<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I lie here, surrounded by a mist of loneliness. The satiny cloth draped over my body, a lover’s caress. I cannot move from this stasis I find myself engulfed within. Tendrils of emptiness constrict around my heart, trapping me, keeping me from breaking free and taking that which I long for most. A bit of happiness.<br /><br />I long for his touch, the gentle melody of his voice. My emotions betray me, forever wanting to reach out and connect.<br /><br />“Why do you not let me in? Embrace the love I offer?” I whisper through the haze.<br /><br />“We are not for each other. I have no love to give you in return.” The sorrowful words shatter my emotional control. My soul cries out, for inside me, my love, my passion, is for him and him alone.<br /><br />“You’re heart has been broken, betrayed. Let me mend it for you. Gather it in the warmth of my devotion, keep it safe.”<br /><br />“I warned you, don’t get attached. Your emotions are not welcome.”<br /><br />I felt his presence dissipate, leaving me in hollow silence. I plead with the tears seeping from eyes for him to stay, to comfort me, to love me. But he is gone.<br /><br />I stir from a warm pressure upon arm. My eyes open, surrounded by a pool of liquid.<br /><br />“Hey,” a soft voice whispers near my ear.<br /><br />I turn, rolling onto my back, and gaze at the face before me. “Hey,” I whisper back, a smile curves my lips. Profound relief eases the grip of loneliness that moments ago had been knotted around my heart. His palm rests lightly upon my cheek.<br /><br />“You were dreaming. What were you dreaming about? It must have been sad. You were crying,” he spoke softly, concern in his eyes, love in his heart.<br /><br />I snuggle closer to him, pressing my face into his chest, his embrace tightening around me, comforting me. “Nothing,” I answer back. “You’re here with me, and that’s all that matters. It was just a dream.”<br /><br />* * * * *<br /><br />It's late...but I finally did one :). It's a bit melancholic, but happy nonetheless.<br /><br />Thank you, Dottie, for continuing to post images every week. I'm glad this weekly challenge is still going strong. Maybe week 37 will be inspiring also!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>http://romancebookwyrm.blogspot.com/2011/04/flash-fiction-entry-36.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy C)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272821608372254614.post-33176177578285711Wed, 06 Apr 2011 23:20:00 +00002011-04-06T19:37:51.156-04:00Flash FictionWritingFlash Fiction Entry and other news...<center>Has it really been since the end of February that I posted last? Time seems to be going by so fast with this new job. Only having a few hours in the evening makes it hard to find time for everything.<br /><br />I did manage to write my Flash fiction for last week! I meant to post it Friday night, but I was pre-occupied with a trip to Cleveland. I had intended to go alone, just to get away, but my cousin ended up meeting me there. Got drunk and had to drive home the next day with a hangover...it was awesome! LOL We've already made plans to do it again!<br /><br />The new job is going great. I thought it was going to be too much for me, but now that it's been two months, it isn't so bad! I did quit the mall :(. As much as I hated going in there after working all day at Ingram, I miss it terribly and it's only been a week! But it's knowing that I won't be going in anymore, at least not to work. I was in there yesterday for a few hours to hang out :). It's hard to stay away.<br /><br />Anyway, here is my flash for last week!<br /><br /><!--[if !mso]> <style> v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MD6KoA43Ftg/TZz4ForqFnI/AAAAAAAADqI/uQ_0bAx-j8Q/s1600/The%2BGate.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 312px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MD6KoA43Ftg/TZz4ForqFnI/AAAAAAAADqI/uQ_0bAx-j8Q/s400/The%2BGate.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592617612990879346" border="0" /></a><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"></span></p>Flash Fiction Entry<br /><br />Untitled<br /><br />By Amy C<br />Word Count - 363<br /><br />She ran, her feet carrying her to a future she dreamed so often of. If only she could make it to the gates of deliverance before her body gave in to the gnawing need to rest.<br /><br />She stumbled, falling an endless downward spiral to the hard and brittle earth. Her heart sank with the weight of her exhaustion. Tears gathered in her eyes, spilling forth a trail of her loneliness. Failure. Always a failure.<br /><br />He promised he’d be there waiting on the other side where the lushness, the beauty held such an intense contrast to the desolate scenery she knelt within. His voice called to her, whispering in her mind, encouraging her to rise.<br /><br />She struggled on shaky legs to stand, gathering what strength remained. His remembered touch enticed her; the gentle press of his lips, the warm embrace of his arms around her. He was everywhere, yet nowhere.<br /><br />One step, two steps, but her fatigued muscles would carry her no further. She collapsed mere feet from the gates entrance. She wept silently, for she possessed not enough energy for more. Body trembling, she drifted into darkness.<br /><br />She stirred as something tickled her consciousness.<br /><br />“Rise, my sweet. Come to me.”<br /><br />That voice. She knew that loving, melodic caress. But she could not bring herself to full awareness. If she lay here a little longer, renew her strength then she could continue.<br /><br />The peaceful chirping of birds woke her. She stretched, yawning, expecting pain in every muscle, surprised when she felt no hint of strain. How long had she laid there sleeping? She collected herself and rose. Her no longer tired feet carried her body the last few steps through the gate. Her heart expanded as the man she sought entered her mind. Soon they would be together, his promise lingering.<br /><br />She searched, gazing this way and that. Where was he? He should be here awaiting her arrival. Desperation stole the steady beat of her heart. And then realization struck, as all around her only an empty silence existed. No more did she hear the caress of his voice.<br /><br />“I could wait no longer,” a distant memory of words echoed in the hollow stillness.<br /><br />*****<br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"></span></p> <br /><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/141/C6649DFBCFEC11BB76F4C601E0F5114F.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /><br /><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f317/himscute/amy1avfixedresized.jpg" /></center>http://romancebookwyrm.blogspot.com/2011/04/flash-fiction-entry-and-other-news.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy C)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272821608372254614.post-496555032720886102Sat, 26 Feb 2011 13:50:00 +00002011-02-26T08:52:25.753-05:00moviesSucker Punch - March 25, 2011 (And a few others)<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7KNUd-NPPo8/TWkCPkVOy_I/AAAAAAAADqA/W4VXnVPH_Fo/s1600/sucker_punch_ver2_xlg.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 222px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7KNUd-NPPo8/TWkCPkVOy_I/AAAAAAAADqA/W4VXnVPH_Fo/s400/sucker_punch_ver2_xlg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577992079949089778" border="0" /></a>In this mind-warping action thriller, Baby Doll (Emily Browning), a girl slated for lobotomy in a 1950s-era asylum, leads a group of young female inmates in an attempt to escape both their mental fantasy worlds and the actual institution where they are prisoners. To accomplish her plan, Baby Doll must steal five objects -- but is the man who's trying to stop her real, or a figment of her imagination?<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XSIetIg7O3M?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" width="400" frameborder="0" height="295"></iframe><br /><br /><br />I saw previews for this movie when we went and seen The Rite a few weeks ago, and it looks totally awesome! I can't wait to see it!<br /><br />Anyone else looking forward to this one?<br /><br />And while looking up Sucker Punch, I discovered Red Riding Hood. I think I already knew about this one though. It seems familiar, just something I forgot about. But it looks so good too! It comes out in March also. Looks like I'll be making some trips to the theater!<br /><br />.<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PM8V3cHdSC4" width="400" frameborder="0" height="350"></iframe><br /><br />And then Dottie mentioned this movie, Beastly. I hadn't heard of it, but did some looking and I do believe I want to see this one too! A remake of the Beauty and the Beast. Not sure though if it's a theater movie or a TV movie. Do you know, Dottie?<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Neo6W1f7hyY" width="400" frameborder="0" height="350"></iframe>.<br /></div><br /><center><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/141/C6649DFBCFEC11BB76F4C601E0F5114F.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /><br /><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f317/himscute/amy1avfixedresized.jpg" /></center>http://romancebookwyrm.blogspot.com/2011/02/sucker-punch-march-25-2011-and-few.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy C)13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272821608372254614.post-997564826466216879Fri, 25 Feb 2011 11:30:00 +00002011-02-25T06:32:25.117-05:00Flash FictionMonday Morning Flash FictionWritingFlash Fiction Entry #28<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C4QEoW7It3c/TWTvwGSwSOI/AAAAAAAADpw/oKYg-NdBHXM/s1600/changing.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C4QEoW7It3c/TWTvwGSwSOI/AAAAAAAADpw/oKYg-NdBHXM/s400/changing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576845848193550562" border="0" /></a><br /><center><span><span> Monday Morning Flash Fiction #28<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Acceptance</span><br />By Amy C<br />Word Count – 396<br /><br />What do you see when you gaze at me? Do I frighten you with the angry look upon my face, the claws protruding from the tips of my fingers?<br /><br />Come a little closer. Let me run my nails along your flesh. A trickle of blood wells in their wake as flesh parts. Your fear feeds the beast inside me. I do not want your fear. I desire your acceptance. Your touch. Help me tame the beast inside me.<br /><br />Kiss me. Hold me. Love me. Take away that which haunts me.<br /><br />My clawed fingers continue along the skin of your chest, and as you relax, accustoming yourself, my razor-sharp nails recede ever so slowly. The angry look upon my face diminishes. I sigh in relief at the transformation. I feel the beast whither into the darkest part of my being. There I want it to stay, forever trapped and lost from me.<br /><br />Silently I beg you to continue your acceptance, continue to help me banish the evil residing within.<br /><br />I rise to the tips of my toes, seeking the warmth of your lips. You flinch, a</span></span><span><span>nd sensing your apprehension steal through you, my once retracted claws begin to lengthen. Anger, that ever present anger, eats away at my control. I try to fight it, to grab hold and shackle it. I press my lips harder against yours, seeking, demanding you give what I want. When my actions prove fruitless, the animal overpowers me. Unable to contain it, my nails lengthen, thickening. With a will not of my own, I plunge with savage intent into the flesh of your belly, slicing through tissue and organs.<br /><br />Your imminent death lingers in the now putrid-smelling air as your life oozes from the gaping wound. Scream after long, pain-filled scream echoes in my head. I feel a slight lift </span></span><span><span> of my lips. The vile thing inside me revels at its brutality.<br /><br />Resigned and disappointed, I step back and sit upon the ground. I raise a bloodied claw to my lips, licking the sweet nectar of your life, as I watch your now lifeless body fall before me. The beast, content and sated, for it has won once again, lies in wait for the next soul to wander into unbidden territory that I call my home. Perhaps that one will be the one to break this curse of evil that binds me.<br /><br />* * * * *<br /><br />I really loved this image. It's nice when you look at one and something comes to you almost immediately. She kinda creeped me out, hence the bloody ending :). I'm quite pleased with this one. Looking forward to reading yours later, probably tomorrow since I work at the mall tonight also! Ugh, it's going to be a long day :).<br /><br /></span></span><span><span><span><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RLv1oX3RGvA/TWTv9C8yUOI/AAAAAAAADp4/ZqYT7ODhRQg/s1600/writing-with-pen.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 236px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RLv1oX3RGvA/TWTv9C8yUOI/AAAAAAAADp4/ZqYT7ODhRQg/s320/writing-with-pen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576846070634402018" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/141/C6649DFBCFEC11BB76F4C601E0F5114F.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /><br /><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f317/himscute/amy1avfixedresized.jpg" /></center>http://romancebookwyrm.blogspot.com/2011/02/flash-fiction-entry-28.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy C)9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272821608372254614.post-3223646183272738512Mon, 14 Feb 2011 11:50:00 +00002011-02-14T06:54:03.849-05:00Monday Morning Flash FictionMonday Morning Flash Fiction Challenge #27<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bfHonpUAMuI/TVkXGpuTv_I/AAAAAAAADpg/lFqAWWoEpsE/s1600/writing-with-pen.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bfHonpUAMuI/TVkXGpuTv_I/AAAAAAAADpg/lFqAWWoEpsE/s400/writing-with-pen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573511416894439410" border="0" /></a><br />Happy Valentine's Day! And Happy Monday!<br /><br />This week Dottie has chosen this lovely prompt for challenge #27. It should inspire some great stuff from you guys!<br /><br />Good luck and Happy writing!<br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fy_Qq1qHdAY/TVkXGbKVXLI/AAAAAAAADpY/GVKWGo-2V30/s1600/full%2Bmoon.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fy_Qq1qHdAY/TVkXGbKVXLI/AAAAAAAADpY/GVKWGo-2V30/s400/full%2Bmoon.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573511412985453746" border="0" /></a><br /><center><span style="font-style: italic;">The Rules</span>...Monday's we post a picture prompt. If you feel inclined to write a story inspired by the prompt, post it to your blog on Friday, then post a link to me and Dottie in a comment so others out there can enjoy your creativity! Max word count is 350...however, there is no penalty for going over or under :).<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/141/C6649DFBCFEC11BB76F4C601E0F5114F.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /><br /><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f317/himscute/amy1avfixedresized.jpg" /></center>http://romancebookwyrm.blogspot.com/2011/02/monday-morning-flash-fiction-challenge_14.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy C)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272821608372254614.post-2454227699041992744Sat, 12 Feb 2011 12:56:00 +00002011-02-12T09:38:54.401-05:00Flash FictionMonday Morning Flash FictionWritingFriday Flash Fiction Entry #26 on Saturday<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S5E9-nyLc4U/TVaASbrldfI/AAAAAAAADpI/y7SVXfucC48/s1600/60477_159702910708727_100000070573150_514756_6634242_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S5E9-nyLc4U/TVaASbrldfI/AAAAAAAADpI/y7SVXfucC48/s400/60477_159702910708727_100000070573150_514756_6634242_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572782643074135538" border="0" /></a><br />Monday Morning Flash Fiction Challenge #26<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A bargain Made</span><br />by Amy C<br />Word Count - 312<br /></div><center><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">I stood alone contemplating the predicament I now found myself in. The aggressive, angry waves crashed around me, taunting my already turbulent thoughts, silent words reminding me of my obligations. How did I get myself into this? But there was no going back now. I had made my choices, and I must accept them, for there was no other way.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The tether of my dilemma tugged at me, inching me toward my fate, the control I once had lessening as the moments passed. Time was drawing near. I pondered my decisions, regret lashing through me. I realized in that instant I had chosen poorly, yet it was too late for my change of heart. My destiny was no longer my own.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I had made a deal, a bargain if you will, for riches and power. At the time, the price had been irrelevant, yet now that payment was demanded, I found myself scared and terrified, not ready to fulfill my promise. But promises made in blood with the devil could never be ignored.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">So there I stood on the rocky shores overlooking the mysterious dwelling of my future home. It stood shrouded in a misty blanket. My heart pounded profusely. Invisible shackles clamped round my ankles.</p> “It is time. Come to me.” The disembodied voice cut through my frightened thoughts, and I was yanked from where I stood. Yet I did not plummet into the vicious water before me. It all happened instantaneously—one second I was standing on the rocky shore and the next, I was standing upon a set of moss covered stairs, leading up to a massive door. It stood ajar in eerie welcome. My stomach threatened to revolt at the sudden shift of locations.<br /><br />A phantom hand caressed my cheek. I shuddered at the lack of warmth it possessed. My fate was before me now—the Devil’s bride.<br /><br />* * * * *<br /><br />Well, I managed to sit down this morning, after reading all of your wonderful flashes, and do mine. Ya'll inspired me :). I had started it the other day, only had a paragraph written. My thoughts for the idea were to reflect my feelings toward my new job and the overwhelming amount of information I need to learn. The devil in this case would be my lovely manager! HAHA! She is evil for getting me into this. I had asked myself a few times at the beginning of the week just what the hell had I gotten myself into! But it's all good. I will learn it, and be good at it! I'm determined.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5kcag_Ok_CA/TVaBw7jgHpI/AAAAAAAADpQ/Vyrwj82KpMo/s1600/writing-with-pen.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 236px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5kcag_Ok_CA/TVaBw7jgHpI/AAAAAAAADpQ/Vyrwj82KpMo/s320/writing-with-pen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572784266537868946" border="0" /></a><br /><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/141/C6649DFBCFEC11BB76F4C601E0F5114F.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /><br /><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f317/himscute/amy1avfixedresized.jpg" /></center>http://romancebookwyrm.blogspot.com/2011/02/friday-flash-fiction-entry-26-on.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy C)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272821608372254614.post-6688506989313511668Fri, 11 Feb 2011 11:41:00 +00002011-02-11T06:51:06.548-05:00No Friday Flash :(<center>Things have been really busy round here this last week with this new job and working full time. I tried to write something, honestly I did, but it just didn't happen. And then I am now stuck with a cold! UGH!<br /><br />My new job is going well. An overwhelming amount of information to learn, but I'm told I'm catching on nicely. I don't know! I know I'll enjoy it, once I figure it all out, but until then...<br /><br />I'll be around later this evening to check out your flashes! Looking forward to reading them and seeing if one of you went the Steampunk route :). And I'm really excited that there is a new lady joining in...Irena from <a href="http://thismisslovestoread.blogspot.com/">This Miss Loves to Read</a>!<br /><br /><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/141/C6649DFBCFEC11BB76F4C601E0F5114F.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /><br /><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f317/himscute/amy1avfixedresized.jpg" /></center>http://romancebookwyrm.blogspot.com/2011/02/no-friday-flash.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy C)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272821608372254614.post-7941210867143839309Mon, 07 Feb 2011 11:30:00 +00002011-02-07T06:30:02.432-05:00Monday Morning Flash FictionMonday Morning Flash Fiction Challenge #26<div style="text-align: center;">Good Monday morning to you!<br /><br />It's time for Monday Morning Flash Fiction prompt #26, and today is the first day of my new job! So far I'm not nervous, but that could change in a little while :).<br /><br />I found this prompt from Michelle's lovely collection she has. I love the picture and hope it inspires some wonderful ideas for Friday.<br /><br />(Sorry I didn't get back with you last night with a picture, Dottie! I sorta fell asleep earlier than I had anticipated, but driving all day does that to you.)<br /><br />Good Luck!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qMzoi7TdZTQ/TU_IN5CZASI/AAAAAAAADow/fR-KKHpQMHM/s1600/writing-with-pen.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qMzoi7TdZTQ/TU_IN5CZASI/AAAAAAAADow/fR-KKHpQMHM/s400/writing-with-pen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570891405055295778" border="0" /></a><br />Monday Morning Flash Fiction Prompt #26<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qMzoi7TdZTQ/TU_JOECQ8PI/AAAAAAAADpA/mgDPdv8OU8s/s1600/60477_159702910708727_100000070573150_514756_6634242_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qMzoi7TdZTQ/TU_JOECQ8PI/AAAAAAAADpA/mgDPdv8OU8s/s400/60477_159702910708727_100000070573150_514756_6634242_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570892507519185138" border="0" /></a>Happy Writing!<br /></div><center><br /><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/141/C6649DFBCFEC11BB76F4C601E0F5114F.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /><br /><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f317/himscute/amy1avfixedresized.jpg" /></center>http://romancebookwyrm.blogspot.com/2011/02/monday-morning-flash-fiction-challenge.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy C)8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272821608372254614.post-5415837605122191326Fri, 04 Feb 2011 12:00:00 +00002011-02-04T07:00:11.101-05:00Anne BishopAnne Bishop Signing!<center>WooHoo! It's almost time for my annual Anne Bishop signing!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Barnes &amp; Nobl</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">e<br />Saturday, March 26, 2011:<br />1 to 3 p.m.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />1565 Niagara Falls Blvd.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Amherst, NY 14228<br /><br /></span>I don't think I'll be waiting til then to pick up her new release, however. I did that last year but didn't like the feeling of having not read the book. This year I'll have it read before me and my mom go :).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qMzoi7TdZTQ/TUvm_thDjEI/AAAAAAAADoQ/TvOUTOydTsA/s1600/c.twilights.dawn.MD.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 272px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qMzoi7TdZTQ/TUvm_thDjEI/AAAAAAAADoQ/TvOUTOydTsA/s400/c.twilights.dawn.MD.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569799346398137410" border="0" /></a>Twilight's Dawn<br />March 3, 2011<br /><br /><strong><em>Winsol Gifts</em></strong> <p>Daemon, the Black Jeweled Warlord Prince of Dhemlan, is settling into his first year of married life with his Witch Queen Jaenelle. But as the thirteen-day celebration of Winsol draws near, Daemon finds himself being pulled in too many directions as he plays host to his formidable family…</p> <p align="center"><strong><em>Shades of Honor</em></strong></p> <p>Still recovering from the ordeal that left her wounded and angry, Surreal returns to Ebon Rih on the orders of Prince Lucivar. And when her former lover Falonar ruthlessly challenges the rule of her family, Surreal may finally succumb to the darkness burning inside her…</p> <p align="center"><strong><em>Family</em></strong></p> <p>When someone lays a vicious trap for Queen Sylvia and her sons, the fallout completely disrupts the lives of the ruling family of Dhemlan. Now, they have to uncover the identity of the warlord known only as No Face, before he returns to finish what he started<strong><em></em></strong>…</p> <p align="center"><strong><em>The High Lord’s Daughter</em></strong><strong><em></em></strong></p> <p>After losing the two most important people in his life, Daemon has assumed his father Saetan’s role as High Lord of Hell and built a wall around his heart. But when he inadvertently forges a new connection, will it be enough to break him free from his loveless life?</p>* * * * *<br /><strong><em></em></strong><br />Totally looking forward to this new collection of short stories set in the Black Jewels world!<br /><br />Last year Anne had mentioned that she was going to revisit the world of Ephemera (Sebastian and Belladonna) I wonder if that is still true :). Those two books were quite aweso<strong><em></em></strong>me and I would love to see more written in that broken and strange place!<br /><strong><em><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qMzoi7TdZTQ/TUvm_laKmVI/AAAAAAAADoI/z-SrP0gT75Y/s1600/Pictures%2B008.jpg"><br /></a></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qMzoi7TdZTQ/TUvpThT_0SI/AAAAAAAADoo/SFZ6OiGuGhs/s1600/26632_384357035408_699605408_5313722_4475215_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qMzoi7TdZTQ/TUvpThT_0SI/AAAAAAAADoo/SFZ6OiGuGhs/s400/26632_384357035408_699605408_5313722_4475215_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569801885742780706" border="0" /></a></span></em></strong><br /><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/141/C6649DFBCFEC11BB76F4C601E0F5114F.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /><br /><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f317/himscute/amy1avfixedresized.jpg" /></center>http://romancebookwyrm.blogspot.com/2011/02/anne-bishop-signing.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy C)4